Slush Machine 101, Part 2

The alternative to the bowl machine (as described in the previous article) is the box type slush machine. These larger machines generally come in single barrel or double barrel configurations.

Box type slush machines work differently than the bowl type. As we mentioned, box type machines are available in single or double forms. These machines hold the liquid mixture in two places: a freezing cylinder and a storage hopper. The freezing cylinder holds approximately 1.5 gallons (6 liters) while the larger storage hopper holds 5 gallons (18.5 liters). The total amount one side of a box machine can hold is 6.5 gallons (20 liters). The mixture is frozen in the freezing cylinder; it is not frozen in the storage hopper. Once the mixture is dispensed from the freezing cylinder, the same amount of product is replaced from the storage hopper into the cylinder. Because the freezing cylinder is smaller, you are limited in how many people you can serve at once. This machine is ideal for bars and restaurants where the machine will constantly be running.

Key advantages of box type machines:

• Requires less attention (automatically refills itself after each use and eliminates the need to create a full batch all at one time like bowl machines require)
• Great resource for bars or restaurants that create frozen, alcoholic beverages. Box machines create a great frozen base for margaritas.

Box type machines are generally used in less visible environments such as restaurants and bars because those locations do not need the visual attraction as much as convenience stores and other high traffic locations (carts, stands, etc.). 1-800-Shaved-Ice.com features Crathco box type slush machines. These machines are well known as "the original margarita machine" and are highly respected for their consistent, durable performance. We sell single barrel and double barrel machines. If you are considering the purchase of a box type slush machine and have questions, please feel free to contact us by either emailing us at CustomerCare@1-800-Shaved-Ice.com or calling us at 1-800-Shaved-Ice (1-800-742-8334). We will happily answer your questions!

Slush Machine 101, Part 1

Not only does 1-800-Shaved-Ice.com sell the best shaved ice and snow cone equipment and supplies, we also carry top quality slush and granita machines. There are two major types of slush machines, bowl type and box type. While many of you already know the difference between the two, we thought it would be helpful to explain each type and their respective advantages.

Bowl type slush machines are available in single, twin, or triple bowl configurations. The most common bowl type machine used is the twin bowl. The average capacity of frozen product per bowl is approximately 3.17 gallons (12 liters). Even though it takes longer initially for the bowl type machine to freeze when compared to the box style, you are actually able to serve more people at once with the bowl style machine due to its larger capacity. This type of machine is great for events where you want to serve a group of people at once such as: home use, wedding receptions, schools, and catering events. These are also popular machines for rental companies who rent them to customers for special events.

Key advantages of a bowl type slush machine:

• Ability to serve larger groups of people at one time
• Large freezing capacity
• Versatile (ability to use one bowl as a base and then have multiple syrup flavors available for customers to choose)
• Much easier to transfer from location to location than the heavier, bulky box type machines
• Less expensive than box type machines (generally 50% cheaper)
  

Bowl type machines are excellent "attractors" too. Kids and adults will see your product swirling away in the bowls and will be enticed to purchase. 1-800-Shaved-Ice.com carries two bowl type machines and both are well respected brands with proven durability and track records. If you are considering the purchase of a bowl type slush machine, please feel free to call us at 1-800-Shaved-Ice (1-800-742-8334) or email us at CustomerCare@1-800-Shaved-Ice.com. We'll be happy to be of assistance to you!

Block Ice Mold

These ice mold pails are an excellent, easy to use way to make your own block ice. Simply fill the one gallon pail 3/4th full with water, cover with the included lid, and place in your freezer. The water takes approximately 2 to 3 days to freeze. Because of the design of the handy lid, these pails are stackable. So, if you have a chest freezer, you can stack these up two or three high, giving you a great supply of ice for your block ice machine.

These pails create block ice that works great in the Swan Block Ice Shavers that are sold at 1-800-Shaved-Ice.com as well.

** Ice produced is 7 1/2" in diameter
** Ice Mold is 7 3/4" tall with lid

Order several of these pails for your stand and start saving money by making your own block ice today! Order while they are on sale and save even more!

Swan Block Shaved Ice Shaver

The Swan Block Ice Shaver, model SI 100-E, is one of the best block ice shavers available on the market today. This easy to operate machine produces fine flakes of snow that easily absorb the flavors to make really excellent shaved ice treats for your customers. Operators can easily adjusted the texture of the snow with a single knob. It comes complete with a strong revolving shield to protect the operator from the spinning ice. This is an ideal machine for high volume locations.

This block shaver can hold up to a 7 pound block of ice (max: 6" square or 8" diameter by 6" tall). It features almost 10 inches of space under the shaving disc, making for easy access when filling the cup. For mobile stands or for overseas operation, the Swan block ice shaver is also available with 115 volt, 220 volt, or DC 12 volt motors.

Order now and save over $400 while these great machines are on sale at 1-800-Shaved-Ice.com!

Shaved Ice Flavor of the Week

As you know, HawaiianShavedIce.com occasionally runs weekly specials on our award winning ready to use flavored syrups. The special right now is Orange-Pineapple, a refreshing blend of two great flavors that will taste great on those warm summer days! Imagine, the taste of a freshly squeezed orange along with delicious fresh pineapple mixed in with cold, refreshing shaved ice...MmMmMm! Order today and save $3 per bottle! You may want to order two bottles...it's hot outside!

Another Great Example of Giving Back

Last month, I discussed the importance of giving back to the community through your business. I recently came across a press release issued by a Missouri based shaved ice company who had found a great way to give back to their community.

Murray's Shaved Ice of Ballwin, MO recently gave all participants of the 2009 Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure any size shaved ice treat for half price. Read more about it here. Two thumbs up to Murray's for coming up with a creative way to give back in their community!

It's not hard to come up with ways to use your business to make a positive impact for a great cause or for some other method of supporting your community. I encourage you to look into ways to give back in your community this summer!

Rainbow Snow Cones and Shaved Ice

Kids go crazy over almost any rainbow combination that you can create. Simply use a variety of colored syrups in order to produce a rainbow effect. Start pouring syrups, one at a time, in straight lines starting from one side of your shaved ice or snow cone cup to the other. Use colors that when mixed together, create new colors too. For example, if you use Banana (Yellow) on one side of the container and use Bubble Gum (Blue) on the other side of the container, a green strip will form down the middle (yellow and blue make green). It will look as if three flavors were used when in reality only two were. We often charged an additional 25 to 50 cents for rainbows.

This is just an easy, quick way to 'upsell' and generate additional revenue to your sales!